There is nothing quite like the burst of Mediterranean flavors in this Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Juicy ground chicken combined with tangy feta, fragrant oregano, and a refreshing hint of lemon zest come together to create meatballs that are both comforting and vibrant. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, these Greek chicken meatballs bring a perfect balance of herbaceous brightness and rich texture that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet absolutely essential to capture those classic Greek flavors and textures. Each element has a role—whether it’s adding moisture, seasoning, or a burst of freshness—making the end result truly irresistible.
- Ground chicken: A lean base that stays juicy and lets the Greek seasonings shine through.
- Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that pleases the palate.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for that tangy creaminess that melts subtly into the meatballs.
- Dried oregano: The herb that screams “Greek,” lending an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
- Lemon zest: A bright note that lifts the entire dish with refreshing citrus.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provides lightness and helps bind the meatballs without heaviness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to add herbaceous complexity and a pop of color.
- Olive oil: The silky fat for frying that enhances flavor and gives a beautiful golden crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to make all the ingredients sing together.
How to Make Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Meatball Ingredients
Start by gathering your ground chicken, garlic, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, lemon zest, and fresh parsley in a spacious bowl. Mix everything well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined; this ensures every bite bursts with that vibrant Greek flavor.
Step 2: Add Panko and Seasoning
Next, sprinkle in the panko breadcrumbs to give your meatballs a light, tender texture that won’t be dense. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, blending everything evenly for uniform taste.
Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs
Using your hands, gently shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Keeping them uniform helps them cook perfectly through while developing a lovely golden exterior.
Step 4: Heat the Olive Oil
Warm a skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Wait until it shimmers gently—that’s your cue to start cooking the meatballs. The olive oil not only prevents sticking but adds a richness that crisps the outside just right.
Step 5: Cook the Meatballs
Place the meatballs carefully in the hot skillet and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden-brown color and no pinkness inside. Turning gently ensures they stay intact and cook evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your meatballs warm with a side of cool tzatziki sauce or a crisp fresh salad. You’ve just mastered a Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe that combines simplicity and authentic flavor beautifully.
How to Serve Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint make fantastic garnishes, adding that boost of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crumbled feta right before serving amps up the presentation and taste too.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with fluffy pita bread, zesty Greek salad, or even a bowl of lemony rice pilaf. The contrast of textures and temperatures elevates the whole meal experience and adds satisfying balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for a fun Mediterranean-inspired appetizer. Or serve them atop a bed of creamy hummus for a rich and savory twist that will impress everyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to two months, preserving all those delicious flavors.
Reheating
Reheat your meatballs gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to retain moisture and crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry them out. Serve warm and delicious, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and will give you a similar texture and flavor while still keeping the meatballs light and healthy.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs add a lovely lightness to the meatballs, but you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great option if you want a hands-off method. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re golden and cooked through.
What can I use instead of feta if someone doesn’t like it?
You can skip the feta or swap it for a mild goat cheese or ricotta for creaminess, but the traditional tang from feta does add an essential Greek depth to the dish.
How do I make the meatballs more flavorful?
Adding extra fresh herbs like dill or mint, a touch more lemon zest, or a dash of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor profile beautifully without overpowering the classic Greek taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to dive into this Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe as I am sharing it with you. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights joyful and dinner parties memorable. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and incredible flavor—that’s the magic of Greek cooking. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs combine ground chicken with feta cheese, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest to create flavorful, tender meatballs. Cooked in a skillet until golden brown, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish served warm with tzatziki sauce or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Breadcrumbs and Season: Add the panko breadcrumbs to the mixture and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir until the breadcrumbs and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact but not overly dense.
- Heat Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking, which indicates it’s ready for cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side. Turn carefully to cook evenly until they are golden brown and cooked through internally.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the Greek chicken meatballs warm, accompanied with tzatziki sauce or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to allow even browning.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
